For 70 years, Camp Hope has been a place where friendships flourish, confidence grows, and summer memories are created that last a lifetime. As The Arc of Essex County prepares to celebrate Camp Hope’s 70th anniversary season in 2026, we are honoring a remarkable legacy while looking ahead to another unforgettable summer filled with adventure, creativity, and inclusion.
Camp Hope’s story began in 1956, when 60 boys and girls gathered at Shady Nook in the South Mountain Reservation for the very first camp season. Just a few years later, community support helped secure a permanent home in East Hanover, where Camp Hope was dedicated in 1959. Over the decades, generations of campers, families, staff, and volunteers have helped shape Camp Hope into the beloved summer tradition it is today.
Throughout its history, Camp Hope has continually evolved to meet the needs of its campers. Milestones have included the addition of a pool in 1967, which was updated to a beach-entry pool in a major capital project in 2011; a splash pad and new playground in 2017; and the opening of a large air-conditioned activity building in 2018. Even during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Camp Hope remained open with precautions in place, providing vital support and continuity for families.
This spirit of growth and resilience continues today. Last year, Camp Hope welcomed 248 campers, providing opportunities for recreation, socialization, and learning. For families, camp is a place where their loved ones are celebrated and given the opportunity to thrive.
The 2026 season promises to be one of the most exciting yet. From Broadway to Disney to holidays and more, each of the seven weeks features a theme, and each week will include at least one special celebration to mark the 70th season, including “70s Day” on the final day of camp this year.
While the activities and traditions have changed over the years, Camp Hope’s mission has remained constant: creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where children, teens, and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities can build friendships, discover new interests, and experience the joy of summer camp. Thousands of campers have benefited from that mission over the past seven decades.
As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, it is also an opportunity to reflect on what makes Camp Hope possible. State funding helps cover a portion of camp operations, but it does not fully fund the true cost of providing a high-quality camp experience. In fact, The Arc of Essex County must raise significant additional support each year to ensure Camp Hope remains accessible to all who wish to attend.
That is why this year’s Spring Appeal is focused on supporting Camp Hope’s future. Contributions help provide camperships for families, close the gap between tuition and operating costs, and ensure that Camp Hope can continue welcoming campers for generations to come. Every gift helps sustain the traditions, experiences, and sense of community that have defined Camp Hope for 70 years.
To give to the 2026 Spring Appeal, visit ArcGiving.com. And to learn more about Camp Hope, which has been changing lives since 1956, visit ArcCampHope.com.
As Camp Hope enters its eighth decade, we invite our community to celebrate the memories that have been made and the countless moments still to come. Together, we can ensure that future campers will continue to laugh, learn, grow, and belong at Camp Hope.